DuckDuckGo introduced a “Sync & Backup” feature to its browser, allowing users to securely synchronize their of passwords, bookmarks, and favorites across devices — all without having to create an account.
The company, which long-claims that it won’t track any of your data, also promises to apply end-to-end encryption to the sync process.
To synchronize DuckDuckGo data across devices, users first scan a QR code with their smartphone camera or input a specific alphanumeric code on their computer. This simple action links their devices, creating a network. Once set up, the devices automatically sync DuckDuckGo data without any additional steps.
Data encryption starts directly on the user’s device, which also generates a decryption key. Only devices approved by the user can produce this key. DuckDuckGo then shares the encryption key across the user’s network of synced devices without ever accessing the key or the data itself.
Similar to authentication apps, you’ll get a recovery code, too in a PDF file. This code generates an encryption key and access to your data in case your devices are compromised or lost. This PDF is created during the setup of your synced devices network and is the only way to retrieve your data on a new phone or computer.
DuckDuckGo says the data should sync “across most Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone devices,” including what you’ve imported from other browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox. The company also notes that the feature might not be available for every user, but they’re rolling it out worldwide.
However, DuckDuckGo has yet to introduce support for passkeys, which you get with both third-party password managers like Dashlane and 1Password.
The company recently added Email Protection to the browser, which is still in the beta. This service removes hidden trackers and allows you to create as many unique private email addresses as you need.